Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause ofsevere vision loss in developed nations. Despite recent improvementsin the management of the neovascular complications of AMD, thereis a need for an effective biomarker that improves early diseasedetection, identifies progression risk and enables monitoringintervention efficacy. As AMD is a complex genetic disease wherechronic low-grade inflammation contributes to its aetiology,this study sought to determine the role of urinary profilesof pro-inflammatory cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor-β1(TGF-β1), Macrophage Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1)and C3a-desArg, as potential biomarkers for detection and monitoringof AMD.

This study demonstrates a novel finding of an association betweenelevated urinary cytokine levels and AMD. Further developmentof a urinary biomarker profile could provide a practical toolfor detection of early AMD, monitoring its progression, andassessment of treatment efficacy.